Supporting post construction



Feb. 23, 1965 A. J. TOTI ETAL 3,170,545

SUPPORTING POST CONSTRUCTION Filed July 25, 1961 a Sheets-Sheet 1 F I g. 3

INVENTORS Andrew J. Tofi y Carlo J. Tori Attorneys Feb. 23', 19-65 A, J; 101:1: ETAL SUPPORZEINGy BUSBIF CGNSTIRUCTIITON 3- Shasta-Shani 23 Filed July 25. 9s:

JNVENTOR. Andrew J. 'Ibfi 3y Carlo J. TOfi m A MW Attorneys Feb. 23, 1965 A. J. TOTI ETAL 3,170,545

SUPPORTING POST CONSTRUCTION Filed July 25, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet s INVENTORS Andrew 7b1i av Carlo J. oti Fig/0 Fig.9 3 a Attorneys United States Patent ()fiice 3,170,545 SUPPORTING POST CONSTRUCTKUN Andrew J. Toti and Carlo .l'. Toti, both of 319 McHenry Ave, Modesto, Calif. Filed July 25,1961, Ser. No. 126,622 11 Claims. (61. 189-39) This invention relates generally to a supporting post construction, and more particularly to a post construction devised for supporting a roof or cover structure, such as a patio cover or carport cover, over a supporting surface.

The subject supporting post is of multi-piece construction and comprises novel primary structural members and secondary connecting members to be secured between a spaced pair of such primary structural members. As an important feature of this invention, each of the primary structural members is provided with a novel flange structure by means of which the connecting members may be secured to the structural members in a manner which insures secure and long lasting interengagement.

A further important feature of this invention resides in the provision of novel connecting means in the form of brackets by means of which the subject supporting post construction may be secured to the cover structure to be supported thereby 'or to the supporting surface over which the cover structure is supported, such as a concrete patio slab.

Objects of the present invention include the provision of a supporting post of multi-piece construction; the provision of such a post construction which includes novel means for securely interconnecting together the respective component members of the post construction; the provision of novel means for connecting the post construction to and in combination with a cover structure or supporting surface; and the provision of a post construction the respective members of which are formed entirely from sheet metal designed to be securely connected together in a rigid assembly by conventional sheet metal screw fasteners in a secure manner heretofore unknown.

With these objects in mind, reference is directed to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a generally perspective view of a pair of supporting post constructions embodying the subject invention shown supporting a roof or cover structure over a supporting surface;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the subject post construction illustrating details of the component members which make up a completed post assembly, and which also illustrates one type connecting bracket employable therewith;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view through the subject post taken in the plane of line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the post construction taken in the plane of line 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view through a portion of the post taken on an enlarged scale in the plane of line 55 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a modified bracket construction employable with the subject post for securing the same to a particular type structural beam of a cover structure;

FIG. 7 is an end view of a cover structure beam of the general type shown in FIG. 6, which further illustrates the bracket of FIG. 6 attached thereto; 1

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the beam and bracket of FIG. 7 taken in the plane of line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of another modified connecting bracket;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the bracket of FIG. 9 taken in the plane of line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are end views of modified primary structural members of the subject post construction which embody varied cross-sectional configurations.

Referring now to FIG. 1, it should be understood that the subject supporting post construction 1 may be used singly or in conjunction with one or more other similar post constructions for supporting a roof or. cover structure 2 over a supporting surface 3. In the embodiment seen in FIG. 1, two post constructions are employed to support the cover structure 2. The cover structure may comprise any predetermined roof structure which, as i1- lustrated, extends from and is secured along one margin to the wall 4 of a house or other building. Each post is secured at its upper end to a structural beam member 5 of the cover structure and at its lower end to a concrete slab surface 6 in the manner to be described. With such an arrangement, the cover structure 2 may serve as a roof for a patio or for a carport, or for} similar well known uses.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, each supporting postis of multi-piece construction and comprises a pair of elongated primary longitudinal structural members 11 and 12 which are spaced from and extend generally parallel to each other. Extending between and secured to the respective primary structural members 11' and 12 are a plurality of series of transverse secondary or connecting members 13. In the embodiment of the post illustrated, three such series of connecting members areemployed, but it should be understood that, depending upon the length of the post desired, more than or less than three connecting member series may be employed. I

As seen in FIG. 2, each of the structural members 11 and 12 is of hollow configuration and is defined by a generally tubular body 14 of predetermined crossrsectional shape having an integral flange structure 16 projecting laterally from one side thereof. Preferably each of the structural members is formed from a single piece of sheet metal, such as aluminum, to provide the tubular body portion 14 and the integral lateral flange structure 16. In this connection, referring to FIG. 4, the flange structure is defined by an integral pair of lateral flange portions 17 and 18 which project generally parallel to each other from the tubular body 14 of. the member. The flange portions 17 and 18 are defined by the longitudinal edge sections of the sheet metal piece from which the structural member is formed and preferably extend the full length of the structural member. Marginal portions 19 and 21 of the metal sheet from which the structural member is formed are reversely bent relative to the edge sections,and the edges of such marginal portions preferably are in contact with each other, as seen in FIG. 4, to maintain the edge sections 17 and 1S spaced from each other. The edge sections and marginal portions together define the hollow flange structure 16 intended for the purpose to be described.

When the primary structural members 11 and 12 are arranged properly to provide a supporting post construction, the respective flange structures of the structural members are arranged in facing relationship and the connecting members of each connecting series are operatively secured to the flange structures while remaining generally free of engagement with the body portions of the respective structural members. This is an important feature of this invention which distinguishes the same over prior art post constructions to be described hereinafter which do not employ flange structures of the type illustrated.

Now referring to FIG. 2,- each post construction includes a pair of preformed elongated channel members Patented Feb. 23, 1965' 23.01: generally U sliape. Each of such channel members preferably is formed from sheet metal, such as aluminum, and is dimensioned so that it will overlie and com-' bers as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4.- Preferably, the channel members are of the same length'as the structural members.

While various configurations and embodiments for each connecting. member series 13 may be employed for securing together the spaced structural members, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, each connecting series comprises a first pair of preformed tubular connecting members 24, each of which is generally arcuate in shape, and a second pair oftubular upper and lower straight connecting members 26. Preferably, each of the curved andstraight connecting members 24 and 26 is preformed from sheet metal, such. as aluminum, into the tubular. configurations illustrated for rigidity and strength. As seen in FIGS. 2 through 5, the opposite ends of each of the tubular connecting members 24 and 26 are recessed so that each member may snugly fit over opposite sides of the respective channel members 23 positionedv over the respective flange structures of the structural members. That is, each of the connecting members is providedat its opposite ends with spaced arms or extensions adapted to'st'raddle the channel members 23 and the flange structures which such channel members cover in the manner best seen in FIG. 4.

In this connection, the arms at opposite ends of .th

straight connecting members 26 are designated 27, while i the arms at the opposite ends of the curved connecting members 24 are designated 28. The arms of the respective, connecting members are interfitted with each other as seen in FIG. 4 with the arms 27 of the straight members being outermost.

By employing arcuate connecting members 24 in conjunction with the straight connecting members 26, a very strong and rigid post construction is produced. The curved connecting members 24 are positioned back to back in contact with each other as seen in FIG. 1, and serve as braces to preclude lateral movement of the structural members towards each other when the members are interconnected in the manner to be described while the straight connecting members 26 preclude lateral separation of the structural members.

While one connecting member arrangement has been illustrated and described, it should be understood, that other connecting arrangements also may be employed so long as they perform properly the intended function of it'jigidly interconnecting and bracing the structural memers.

An important feature of this invention resides in the fact that the respective structural and connecting members of the post construction are interconnected by employing the flange structures of the structural members rather than the body portions thereof.

It has been generally known heretofore to employ screw threaded fasteners with hollow post constructions for securing re-enforcing members between spaced structuralmembers. However, with such prior art constructions, the screw threaded fasteners are positioned with their axes extending generally radially through the walls of the hollow bodies of such structural members. Experience has proved thatthe screw threaded fasteners readily work loose due primarily to the limited contact necting members to the flange structures of the structural members rather than to the body portions thereof. That is, as seen in FIG. 4, sheet metal screws'31 are engaged through the respective ends of the respective connecting members and extend into the hollow flangestructures.

provided on the structural members. a

Preferably, a pair of suchscrews are aligned with each other and extend into the flange structures from opposite sides thereof at the upper and lower ends of each arcuate connecting member 24. In this manner, two screws are employed to secure one end of each connecting member to a flange structure. 'Such screws also secure the channel members 23 in place over the flange structures.

Inpthe embodiment illustrated, because three connecting member series 13 .are employed, six sheet metal screws'normally would be employed on each side of the flange structure of each structural member, making a total of tWenty-four'screws employed to securely inter engage the post assembly illustrated.

Again. referring to FIG. 4, it should be noted that each pair of opposite sheet metal screws extend through the connecting members and into a flange structure with their respectiveaxes generally normal or transverse to the edge sections 17 and 18 which define the flange structure. That is, the screws do not extend radially of the structuralmemb'ers as in prior art posts.

As a resultof securing the connecting members solely to 'a flange structure, rather than to the body of the structural member, in such a manner that the axes of the screws extend normal to the flange structure, any stresses tending to separate the connecting members and the structural members are directed generally transverse or normal to such screw axis. Accordingly, the screws are much more capable of withstanding stresses and forces which would tend to disengage the threads thereof from the connecting members and flange structures so that a very secure and rigid post construction is provided. Furthermore, because, as seen in FIG. '4, the screws have a substantial number of their threads engaged with the respective connecting members and flange structures, a secure and long lasting engagement is insured.

While in the post embodiment illustrated the screws extend inwardly from opposite sides of the flange strucof the screw helices with the relatively thin body walls from which such structural members are formed. That is, because only about one screw thread helixis engaged with the thin structural member body walls of similar prior art posts, such screws tend to loosen easily so that a non-rigid post construction results after a period of use.

With the subject invention, however, as seen best in FIG. 4, fastening means, preferably of the self-threading sheet metal screw type, are employed to secure the contu re, it should be understood that a bolt and nut arrangement extending all the way through the connecting'member endsand the flange structure also could be employed. However, the arrangement shown in FIG. 4 is preferred for several reasons, namely because ofthe attractive appearance presented by the relatively small heads of the sheetmetal screws available onthe market, and also because there are no projecting bolt or screw ends which might cause damage to the handset a person erecting the post construction or to the user of the property on which the post construction is erected. With the embodiment shown, the sharp screw ends are completely isolated to eliminate the possibility of injury. Referring nowto FIG. 1, means 36 is provided at the bottom end 'of each post and other means 37 at the top end of each post for connecting the same to the supporting surface and cover structure between which the post extends. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the connecting means employed at both the bottom and top ends is the same but, as will be described hereinafter, depending upon the type of cover structure to be supported by the post, a modified type of connecting means may be employed at the top end of the post.

Details of the connecting means employed in FIG. 1 are .more clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. This embodiment of the connecting means comprises :a connecting bracket which includes an elongated plate member 38 having ends which conform generally to the crosssectional configuration of the structural members 14. Because generally circular'cross-section structural members are employed in FIG. 2,'the endsof 'the'plate mem- 5. her shown are curved on a slightly greater radius than the radius of the structural members. To impart rigidity longitudinally and transversely to the plate member 38, the same is of dished construction, as seen in FIG. 5.

Projecting from the plate member adjacent opposite ends thereof are a pair of connectors 39, each of which in the embodiment illustrated is of cup shape. Each connector at its bottom is provided with an aperture 41.

and is engaged with the plate in a conforming depression 42 provided adjacent the plate end as seen in FIG. 5. As also seen in FIG. 5, each cup-shaped connector tapers outwardly from its bottom, as at 43, to facilitate positioning thereof in the hollow interior of an associated structural member. The connectors on plate 38 are spaced from each other a distance corresponding to the spacing of the structural members 11 and 12 of the post so that such connectors are easily insertable into the structural members when the bracket and post are combined.

An important feature of this invention resides in the simple manner in which each cup connector is connected to plate 38. As seen in FIG. 5, each cup 39 is riveted in place by employing material deformed directly from the plate member as seen at 46. That is, the plate member is provided with holes 47 adjacent its opposite ends and the edges of such holes are deformed into the aperture of the cup connector to secure the plate and connector together.

The holes 47 through the plate member provide passageways for bolt or like fasteners 48, as seen in phantom lines in FIG. 5, which may be extended into the appropriate structural beam element of the cover structure or into the concrete slab 6 which provides the supporting surface over which the cover structure is positioned. In this connection, it should be understood that the plate members preferably are secured to the concrete slab and to the cover structure prior to their connection with the opposite ends of the post construc-.

tion. With respect to engagement of the plate with the concrete slab, preferably expanding sleeves of any well known type are provided in preformed holes made in the concrete slab to receive bolt fasteners 48 extended through the cup connectors.

If it is not possible to raise up the cover structure an amount sufficient to permit engagement of the connectors in the upper ends of the structural members of the posts after the bracket plate 38 has been secured to the cover structure by employing bolts 48 in the manner described, separate holes may be drilled through the plate intermediate its opposite ends and'bolt type fasteners may be extended through such holes :into the beam of the cover structure following attachment of the plate to the post upper end. That is, the bracket may first be connected to the post and then connected to the cover structure or supporting surface after the post is properly positioned.

Desirably, as seen in FIG. 5, after each connector cup has been inserted in the appropriate end of a structural member, one or more screw fasteners 50, preferably of the self-threading type, are engaged through the side wall of the tubular bodyof the structural member and through the cup connector engage-d therein. In this regard, preformed holes may be provided through the structural.

member adjacent its upper end and through the cup connector during their manufacture. However, preferably holes to receive the screw fastener 50 are provided on the job when the post is being erected in combination with a cover structure. It should be understood that similar fasteners 50 desirably are positioned through the structural members and cup connectors at the lower end of the post construction.

It has been found that the subject post construction is particularly adaptable for use in combination with a novel sheet metal supporting beam for a cover structure of the type disclosed in applicants co-pending application. Serial No. 862,321, filed December 28, 1959 now'Patent No. 3,134,468. Such a supporting beam is shown generally in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, and is designated generally 51. The beam construction shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is generally the same as that shown in FIG. 6 except that the same is illustrated as including longitudinal strengthening ribs 52.

The beam of said co-pending applicationis characterized in that the same has lateral flanges 53 extending longitudinally thereof along each of its four corners. It is the bottom pair of such lateral flanges 53 that adapt the subject post construction to be connected therewith by means of a modified connecting bracket 54 of the type shown in FIGS. 6 through 8 without requiring hole drilling or other damage to the beam.

For a more thorough understanding of the beam construction with which this modified connecting bracket is employable, reference is directed to said co-pending application.

As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 6, the bracket 54- comprises a plate member. 58 preferably provided with a pair of longitudinal ribs 59 to strengthen the same. Upright flanges 61 are provided along opposite edges of the plate to be received between the flanges 53 of the beam. That is, the plate generally conforms to the contour of the bottom of such beam as seen in FIG. 7.

A pair of generally U-shaped clamping members 62 form part of the bracket, and each of such clamping members is receivable over opposite ends of the plate 58 in the manner shown in FIG. 7. A screw-threaded opening 63 is provided adjacent each end of the plate 58, and an opening 64 is provided in the lower leg 65 of the U- shaped clamping member, which is alignable with the screw-threaded opening 63 adjacent the plate end.

A pair of screw members 66 also are provided which are receivable through the openings 64 in the clamping members and threadedly received in the openings 63 adjacent the ends of the plate. When the bracket is assembled, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the clamping members are received with their upper legs 67 positioned over and engaged with the top surface of the flanges 53 of the beam so that the bracket is supported by such clamping members. In this regard, the clamping members provide a channel between their upper legs 67 and the top of the plate in which the flanges of the beam are received. As a result, the bracket is slidably adjustable on the beam when the screws 66 are free of engagement with the lower surfaces of the beam flanges 53.

After the bracket has been properly located on the beam, it is a simple matter to immovably secure the bracket to the beam by threading the screw members 66 in the plate against the underside of the beam flanges to preclude lateral bracket movement. This adjusting feature is very important in that it permits a connecting bracket to be properly located with respect to a structural member of a post construction when the post is being erected in combination with a cover structure.

It should be understood that a pair of such brackets are employed with each post. To effect connection of the bracket to a given post, the bracket is provided with a depending connector 68 as seen best in FIGS. 7 and 8. In these figures, such connector comprises a downwardly tapered inverted cup which is secured to the plate pref-.

erably by riveting in the same manner described previously with the brackets shown in FIGS. 2 and 5.

Each connector 68 is received internally in the upper end of the structural member with which it is to be secured. To preclude disengagement of such connector with its associated structural member, one or more threaded fasteners of the type shown at 50 in FIG. 5 preferably are employed.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show another modified connecting bracket construction in which a connector of a different type is employed. That is, the bracket 69 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is essentially the same as and is employed in generally the same manner as the bracket shown and 7 described with respect to FIGS. 6'through 8.' However, instead of the cup-shaped connector mentioned previously,

. the connecting bracket of FIGS. 9 and 10 employs a yoke-shaped connector 70 which comprises a pair of spaced arms 71 which are intended to straddle opposite bers.

While in the embodiment of the invention shown thus far, the structural members 11 and 12 have been illustrated as having a generally circular cross section, it should be understood that the'structural members may have other cross-sectional configurations also. In this connection, FIG. 11 shows a modified structural member 81 which has a generally square cross-sectional body 82 and an integral flange structure 83 of the type described previously. In FIG. 12, the structural member 84 is shown as having a generally octagonal cross-sectional body 86 and an integral flangestructure 87 of the type described previously.

- Because preferably the structural members of this invention are produced from readily formable sheet metal, such as aluminum, the cross-sectional configurations thereof may vary within wide limits. If cup-shaped connectors 88 are to be employed with the modified structural members of FIGS. 11 and 12, such'connectors may be circular in cross section, as shown, or alternatively, the connector cross section may conform generally to the configuration of the structural member.

The component members of the subject post may be interconnected in any suitable manner, such as by a manual operation or mechanically in a suitable jig or machine.

In view of the foregoing, it should be understood that this invention involves the provision of a supporting post construction and means for connecting such construction to a cover structure ora supporting surface, as well as novel means for interconnecting the component members of such construction to provide a rigid and strong post assembly. Modifications of this invention which may become apparent to those skilled in-the art are contemplated as falling within the scope of this invention as set out in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A post construction comprising, in combination, a pair of preformed elongated spaced sheet metal structural members; each of said structural members being formed from a single piece of sheet metal into a hollow substantially tubular body, opposite longitudinal edge sections of each of the metal pieces from which said structural members are formed projecting laterally from the tubular body defined thereby, said edge sections being spaced from and generally parallel to each other, the marginal portions of said edge sections being bentinwardly toward each other and maintaining said edge sections spaced from each other whereby said edge sections and marginal portions together define a generally hollow flange structure which extends substantially the length of its associated body portion and projects laterally therefrom, said struc-' of said connecting members being operatively engaged over the channel members engaged with the respective flange structures of said structural members, and Self-- threading screw fasteners extending laterally'through the respective opposite endsof said connecting members and through the respective channel members into the respective hollow flange structures of said structural members from oppositesides of said flange structures, the pointed ends ofsaid fasteners being received within and held out of contact by said hollow flange structures, said fasteners being positioned with'their axes extending generally nor-' mall to the edge sections of said flange structures whereby stresses tending to separate said structural members and said connecting members are directed against said fasteners in a direction generally transverse to the axes thereof.

2. The post construction of claim 1 in which said series of connecting members includes a pair of curved members and a pair of generally straight members, each of said curved members having its oppositeends engaged with the same flange structure, said curved members being engaged back-to-back in bracing relationship with-each other and thereby precluding movement of said structural members toward each other, each of said straight members having its opposite ends engaged with opposing flange structures and thereby precluding movement of said structural members away from each other.

3. The post construction of'claim 1 which includes two or more series of said connecting members arranged in spaced relationship between said structural members.

4. A post construction comprising, in combination, a pair of elongated spaced metal structural members; each of said structural members comprising a hollow substantially tubular body having opposite longitudinal edge sections projecting laterallytherefrom, said edge sections being spaced from and generally parallel to each other, marginal portions of said edge sections extending inwardly toward and contacting eachother and maintaining said edge sections spaced from each other whereby said edge sections and marginal portions together define a generally hollow flange structure which extends longitudinally of its associated body and projects laterally therefrom; said structural members being arranged in said post construction with their flange structures facing each other; a series of metal connecting members interposed between and extending generally transversely of said spaced structural members, opposite ends of said connecting members being engaged over the respective flange structures of said structural members, and fasteners extending laterally through the respective opposite ends of said connecting members and into the respective hollow flange structures of said structural members from opposite sides of said flange structures, the inner ends of said fasteners being received withinsaid hollow flange structures.

5. A decorative post construction comprising a pair of hollow elongated structural members each of which comprises a tubular body and a hollowiflange structure extending along one side of said body and projecting therefrom, said structural members extending generally parallel to each other with their flange structures facing each other and being rigidly interconnected with each other by spaced series of decorative connecting members extending betweenand secured directly to the flange structures of said structural members; each of said series of connecting members including a first pair of'curved connecting members and a second pair of generally straight connecting members, opposite ends of said pairs of connecting members being engaged in straddling relationship .over an associated flange structure, said curved connecting members being engaged back-to-back with each'other between said structural members and rigidly bracing said structural members against movement toward each other, said straight connecting members precluding movement of said structural members away from each other; and fasteners extending laterally through the 'ends of said connecting members intosaid hollow flange structures, said fasteners being free of direct engagement with said body portions of said structural members, wherebyforces tending to separate said structural members are applied to said fasteners transversely thereof, the inner ends of said fasteners being received in said hollow flange structures to preclude injury to persons handling said post construction.

6. A supporting post construction comprising, in combination; a pair of elongated opposed structural members each of which includes a flange structure projecting laterally therefrom and extending longitudinally thereof, said structural members being arranged in said post construction with their flange structures facing each other; a series of connecting members interposed between said opposed structural members and rigidly maintaining said structural members spaced from each other, said series of connecting members comprising a first pair of curved connecting members, each of said curved connecting members having its opposite ends connected with the flange structure of the same structural member, and a second pair of connecting members, each of said second pair of connecting members extending between and having its opposite ends connected with the respective flange structures of said opposed structural members, said curved connecting members being engaged back-to-back with each other between said opposed structural members and rigidly bracing said struc tural members agianst movement towards each other, said second pair of connecting members securing said structural members against movement away from each other; and fasteners extending laterally through the respective ends of said pairs of connecting members into said flange structures of said structure members, said fasteners securing said pairs of connecting members and said structural members together in a unitary supporting post construction.

7. The post constructon of claim 6 in which each end of each of said second pair of connecting members is positioned in overlapping relationship with an end of one of said curved connecting members, and in which a fastener extends laterally through such overlapped ends into the flange structure of the structural member engaged by such ends of such connecting members.

8. The post construction of claim 6 which includes at least two of said series of connecting members interposed between said structural members in spaced longitudinal relationship therealong.

9. A supporting post construction comprising, in combination: a pair of elongated opposed structural members each of which includes a flange structure projecting laterally therefrom and extending longitudinally thereof, said structural members benig arranged in said post construction with their flange structures facing each other; a series of connecting members interposed between said opposed structural members and rigidly maintaining said structural members spaced from each other, said series of connecting members comprising a first pair of curved connecting members, each of said curved connecting members having its opposite ends connected with the flange structure of the same structural member, and a second pair of connecting members, each of said second pair of connecting members extending between and having its opposite ends connected with the resepective flange structures of said opposed structural members, said curved connecting members being engaged back-to-back with each other between said opposed structural members and rigidly bracing said structural members against movement toward each other, said second pair of connecting members securing said structural members against movement away from each other, each end of each of said first pair of curved connecting members being in direct contact with an end of one of said second pair of connecting members, such contacting ends being overlapped with each other and straddling the flange structure of an associated structural member, said pairs of connecting members at their respective overlapped ends having abutting bracing contact with each other and with the flange structure associated therewith thereby enhancing the rigidity of said post construction; and fasteners extending laterally through the respective overlapped ends of said pairs of connecting members into said flange structures of said structure members, said fasteners securing said pairs of connecting members and said structural members together in a unitary supporting post construction.

10. A post construction comprising, in combination: a pair of elongated spaced metal structural members; each of said structural members comprising a hollow substantially tubular body having opposite longitudinal edge sections projecting laterally therefrom, said edge sections being spaced from and generally parallel to each other, means in conjunction with said edge sections extending longitudinally of said body and closing off said body along said edge sections whereby said edge sections and said means together define a generally hollow flange structure which extends longitudinally of its associated body and projects laterally therefrom; said structural members being arranged in said post construction with their flange structures facing each other; a series of metal connecting members interposed between and extending generally transversely of said spaced structural members, opposite ends of said connecting members being engaged over and straddling the respective flange structures of said structural members, and fasteners extending laterally through the respective opposite ends of said connecting members and into the respective hollow flange structures of said structural members from opposite sides of said flange structures, the inner ends of said fasteners being received within said hollow flange structures.

11. A decorative post construction comprising a pair of hollow elongated structural members each of which is formed from a single piece of sheet metal into a tubular body and a hollow flange structure extending along one side of said body and projecting therefrom, said structural members extending generally parallel to each other with their flange structures facing each other and being rigidly interconnected with each other, by spaced series of decorative connecting members extending between and secured directly to the flange structures of said structural members; each of said series of connecting members including a first pair of curved connecting members and a second pair of generally straight connecting members, opposite ends of said pairs of connecting members being engaged in straddling relationship over an associated flange structure, said curved connecting members being engaged backto-back with each other between said structural members and rigidly bracing said structural members against movement toward each other, said straight connecting members precluding movement of said structural members away from each other; and screws extending laterally through the ends of said connecting members into said hollow flange structure, said screws being free of direct engagement with said body portions of said structural members, whereby forces tending to separate said structural members are applied to said screws transversely of the axes thereof, the ends of said screws being received in said hollow flange structures to preclude injury to persons handling said post construction.

I References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,195,374 Look Aug. 22, 1916 1,646,725 Davidson Oct. 25, 1927 2,086,009 Walker July 6, 1937 2,218,428 Hurlbert Oct. 15, 1940 2,397,940 Benham Apr. 9, 1946 2,618,820 Struben et-al. Nov. 25, 1952 2,936,051 Martin May 10, 1960 2,966,967 Levy et al Ian. 3, 1961 3,106,270 Lichty Oct. 8. 1963 

10. A POST CONSTRUCTION COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: A PAIR OF ELONGATED SPACED METAL STRUCTURAL MEMBERS; EACH OF SAID STRUCTURAL MEMBERS COMPRISING A HOLLOW SUBSTANTIALLY TUBULAR BODY HAVING OPPOSITE LONGITUDINAL EDGE SECTIONS PROJECTING LATERALLY THEREFROM, SAID EDGE SECTIONS BEING SPACED FROM AND GENERALLY PARALLEL TO EACH OTHER, MEANS IN CONJUNCTION WITH SAID EDGE SECTIONS EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY OF SAID BODY AND CLOSING OFF SAID BODY ALONG SAID EDGE SECTIONS WHEREBY SAID EDGE SECTIONS AND SAID MEANS TOGETHER DEFINE A GENERALLY HOLLOW FLANGE STRUCTURE WHICH EXTENDS LONGITUDINALLY OF ITS ASSOCIATED BODY AND PROJECTS LATERALLY THEREFROM; SAID STRUCTURAL MEMBERS BEING ARRANGED IN SAID POST CONSTRUCTION WITH THEIR FLANGE STRUCTURES FACING EACH OTHER; A SERIES OF METAL CONNECTING MEMBERS INTERPOSED BETWEEN AND EXTENDING GENERALLY TRANSVERSELY OF SAID SPACED STRUCTURAL MEMBERS, OPPOSITE ENDS OF SAID CONNECTING MEMBERS BEING ENGAGED OVER AND STRADDLING THE RESPECTIVE FLANGE STRUCTURES OF SAID STRUCTURAL MEMBERS, AND FASTENERS EXTENDING LATERALLY THROUGH THE RESPECTIVE OPPOSITE ENDS OF SAID CONNECTING MEMBERS AND INTO THE RESPECTIVE HOLLOW FLANGE STRUCTURES OF SAID STRUC- 